Hot as Hell

Two-minute silence was observed for Santosh Tyagi's mother

Today was no better than yesterday. By the time we started our exercises, the Garden had turned into worse than a furnace – hot, sinister and suffocating. Not a leaf stirred. Even the birds had fallen silent in the trees. Barring a few stragglers on the walking track, we were the only life visible. An air of ominous expectancy hung over us.
May has always been a muggy month for us in Mumbai; but seldom have the mornings been so punishing. Clearly, the biggest fear is dehydration.

Updating Membership Register

The drinking water Mallika Kagzi, Swati Punjabi and other kind ladies bring along every day usually gets over midway through the exercises. Banoo Apa wanted to get aam panna (raw-mango drink) for us this morning, but knowing that Dilip and Kajal Babani would be celebrating their marriage anniversary today, she kept the treat on hold. Also, Mallika treated us to keema-pao and tea – a ritual she has been following religiously on the death anniversary of her daughter. Santosh Tyagi was also there – back from Delhi after attending the last rites of her mother. A two-minute silence was observed for the departed soul.
These are no more than enforced diversions from the oppressive heat and humidity we are subject to these days.

Razia Khan's Kayani cookies yesterday

Yesterday, Razia Khan brought us sliced cake and Kayani cookies from a trip to Pune. And there was Arun Patil also doing his bit in providing distraction by getting everybody’s signatures on the newly-instituted Membership Register.
Still, most senior members are choosing to exercise seated on the benches as they cannot take the full hour-long routine standing. Khatoon Baig is opting for a less-strenuous walk around the Garden the moment she feels exhausted. Some want to do away with caps since they tend to "trap heat" around the head. Siba Prasad Maitra suggested yesterday that we substitute the cap for an equally distinctive Big Laaf armband. “I’ll sponsor the armbands,” he offered.
No doubt, a good suggestion. But what we really, really need now is a spell of pre-monsoon showers to bring down the morning temperature. Sadly, no hope in the horizon at present.

Dilip-Kajal with Milwani's memento

Mallika's keema-pao and chai treat

Dilip gives away anniversary goodies

Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
It is terribly hot these days throughout the country. It is time we learnt from our fore-fathers. During summer they used to wear pugree (a turban) which protected them from the heat. One must wear some headgear these days. I feel it is better to have a cap, rather than an armband. The cap provides you some protection whereas an arm band shows that you are protesting! We had some showers on May 10 in Punjab, which gave us lot of relief from the hot and sultry weather.